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EuroTrip: Vienna to Istanbul

Marcos García

Marcos García

18 Jan 2024

Embark on an epic journey through Vienna, Budapest, Sofia, and Istanbul. Explore magnificent palaces, soak in thermal baths, and immerse yourself in rich history and culture. Join me as I uncover the hidden gems of these enchanting cities.

Trip to Vienna

Day 1Majestic Vienna
+

$40

The Hofburg
Habsburg palace complex with ornate, baroque interiors, imperial apartments & a silver museum.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$20
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
Imposing 19th-century museum with lavish interiors housing art collections & antiquities.
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$20
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

People's Garden
Strauss & Lanner once played in this manicured public park with temples, fountains & rose gardens.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
•
Free
Day 2Discovering Vienna's Treasures
+

$52

·

$ 3

Rathausplatz
19th-century park with statues, mature trees & fountains, plus summer cinema & winter ice rink.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Museum of Natural History Vienna
Palatial, 19th-century museum with vast specimen collections, from dinosaur skeletons to meteorites.
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
$15
1 - 2 min

~

Directions

Maria-Theresien-Platz
Prominent square by museums featuring a monument to empress Maria Theresa, fountains & green space.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
•
Free
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Albertina
19th-century Habsburg palace with staterooms & collections of old master prints & 20th-century art.
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
•
$20
17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel
Fairground attraction rebuilt in 1945, with wooden cabins offering dining & an exhibition.
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
•
$17
Day 3Adventure in Vienna's Prater
+

$32

·

$ 6

Prater
Large park with old-time amusements, including a landmark giant wheel dating from 1897.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

St. Stephen's Cathedral
Medieval Roman Catholic place of worship with an ornate spire, catacombs & a treasury museum.
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$17
16 - 20 min

~

Directions

MuseumsQuartier
Restored area of historic & modern buildings containing many of the city's finest museums.
2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
•
$15
Day 4Vienna's Vibrant Charm
+

$50

·

$ 3

Naschmarkt
Vast market with 16th-century origins, with more than 100 food & vintage stalls, plus restaurants.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Vienna Operahouse
World-famous opera house offering major productions, original decor & multilingual guided tours.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
$25
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

St. Charles's Church
18th-century Habsburg domed cathedral with a 32.5-meter platform for views of the ornate frescoes.
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$7
11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Stadt Park
English-style, 19th-century public park with a river, ornate bridges & gilded Johann Strauss statue.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
•
Free
7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Belvedere Palace
Baroque, 18th-century palaces housing art from Middle Ages to today, with notable Klimt collection.
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$18
Day 5Fun-filled Day in Vienna
+

$81

·

$ 6

Schweizerhaus
Rustic beer garden & restaurant with 19th-century origins, also serving Viennese dishes.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
24 - 29 min

~

Directions

Haus des Meeres
Aquarium with 10,000 creatures including snakes, crocodiles & sharks, plus a tropical house.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
$23
19 - 23 min

~

Directions

Schönbrunn Palace
18th-century summer palace with tours of lavish rococo ceremonial rooms, plus gardens with a maze.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$31
12 - 18 min

~

Directions

Schönbrunn Zoo
500 species of animals, including giant pandas, Siberian tigers & elephants, in 18th-century zoo.
3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
•
$27

Budget breakdown: $1355 In total

Activities & Food:$1324
Transport:$32

Trip to Budapest

Day 1Majestic Vienna
+

$37

·

$ 1

Matthias Church
A 13th-century church named for King Matthias, who married here, with an ecclesiastical art museum.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
$7
10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Buda Castle
Palatial venue for the Hungarian National Gallery plus displays from Gothic altars to sculpture.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$12
16 - 23 min

~

Directions

Shoes on the Danube Bank
Waterside shoe sculptures memorializing those killed at the river by a fascist party during WWII.
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM
•
Free
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Hungarian Parliament Building
Landmark Gothic Revival–style edifice with lavishly decorated rooms, plus a visitors' center.
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
•
$18
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Margaret Island
Medieval ruins are found on this island that is predominantly used for recreation.
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
•
Free
Day 2Discovering Vienna's Treasures
+

$26

Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Landmark 19th-century suspension bridge, designed by William Tierney Clark & illuminated at night.
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
•
Free
12 - 18 min

~

Directions

Hungarian National Gallery
Permanent & temporary collections of Hungarian works from the 15th century to the modern day.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$8
11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Fisherman's Bastion
19th-century fortress with 7 turreted lookout towers offering panoramic views plus cafe on terrace.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
$5
3 - 4 min

~

Directions

Castle District
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$13
Day 3Adventure in Vienna's Prater
+

$43

Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Ornate thermal baths, built in 1913, with a cupola, massivve swimming pools & water jet massagers.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$25
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Vajdahunyad Castle
This 1896 lakeside castle shows the evolution of Hungarian architecture in its elaborate design.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
$9
8 - 11 min

~

Directions

Heroes' Square
Part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, with statues of the leaders of 7 tribes who founded Hungary.
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
•
Free
3 - 4 min

~

Directions

Museum of Fine Arts
Neoclassical art museum with an Egyptian collection, Renaissance frescoes & 19th-century paintings.
2:15 PM - 3:45 PM
•
$9
Day 4Vienna's Vibrant Charm
+

$34

·

$ 1

Citadella
Built after the suppression of the Hungarian Revolution in 1848, this fort is a symbol of the city.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
17 - 21 min

~

Directions

St. Stephen's Basilica
Vast cupola-topped Roman Catholic place of worship, built from 1851 to 1905, with regular concerts.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
$6
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Hungarian State Opera
Neoclassical venue with ceiling frescoes & statues of composers, for opera & ballet plus tours.
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
•
$13
12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Dohány Street Synagogue
Ornate domes top this lavish Moorish-style synagogue, with a museum, cemetery & Holocaust memorial.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
•
$15
Day 5Fun-filled Day in Vienna
+

$52

·

$ 1

Hungarian National Museum
History museum containing cultural artifacts & archaeological items, documents, coins & paintings.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$10
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Gellért Thermal Bath
These architecturally significant thermal pools are part of the famous Hotel Gellert complex.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
$22
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Rudas Baths
16th-century spa complex with traditional Turkish baths, swimming pools & a sauna.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
•
$20

Budget breakdown: $1355 In total

Activities & Food:$1324
Transport:$32

Trip to Sofia

Day 1Majestic Vienna
+

$5

·

$ 1

St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Iconic Bulgarian Orthodox church with Neo-Byzantine architecture & an underground museum.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
Free
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

National Bulgarian Archeological Museum
Archaeology museum with old treasures from antiquity, medieval objects & ancient cave drawings.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$5
7 - 9 min

~

Directions

National Palace of Culture
Iconic building hosting concerts, plays, exhibitions & other events in a huge, art-filled space.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
•
Free
Day 2Discovering Vienna's Treasures
+

$17

·

$ 2

National Museum of Military History
Military museum, established in 1916, with collections of weapons, uniforms, medals & documents.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$5
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker
1914 Russian Orthodox church featuring a colorful tiled exterior & gilded onion domes.
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
•
$1
2 - 3 min

~

Directions

The Palace - National Art Gallery
National museum for Bulgarian artworks from the Middle Ages to the present, in former royal palace.
11:45 AM - 1:15 PM
•
$6
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

National Polytechnic Museum
Compact technology museum with exhibits devoted to vintage cars, communication equipment & more.
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM
•
$4
Day 3Adventure in Vienna's Prater
+

$14

·

$ 2

Socialist Art Museum
National museum presenting Bulgarian Socialist-era sculptures, art, memorabilia & propaganda films.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
$4
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Opera and Ballet Sofia
Grand opera house & local landmark opened in 1953, hosting global opera & ballet stars.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$6
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Central Military Club
Completed in 1907, this neo-Renaissance building offers a coffeehouse, art gallery & event halls.
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
•
Free
18 - 22 min

~

Directions

Boyana Church
Medieval church known for an interior covered in frescos dating from the late 900s.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$4
Day 4Vienna's Vibrant Charm
+

$5

·

$ 1

National Museum of History
Over 650,000 items show Bulgaria's history from prehistoric times to the more recent communist past.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$5
20 - 24 min

~

Directions

Vrana Park & Museum
Landscaped gardens with tours of trees, shrubs & plants, plus the private home of Bulgarian royalty.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free

Budget breakdown: $1355 In total

Activities & Food:$1324
Transport:$32

Trip to Istanbul

Day 1Majestic Vienna
+

$25

·

$ 2

İBB Emirgan Korusu
Lush public park featuring an array of plants, 2 ponds, jogging paths & play equipment for kids.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
Free
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Rumeli Fortress
Hilltop 15th-century fortress with multiple towers, walking paths & water views.
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
•
$2
25 - 30 min

~

Directions

Beylerbeyi Palace
This 19th-century palace with gardens was once a summer residence for Ottoman sultans.
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
•
$8
22 - 27 min

~

Directions

Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Museum on transportation, industry & communications with a car collection & some hands-on exhibits.
12:45 PM - 3:45 PM
•
$15
Day 2Discovering Vienna's Treasures
+

$55

·

$ 2

15 Temmuz Şehitler Bridge
Connecting Europe & Asia, this long suspension bridge completed in 1973 offers scenic water views.
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
•
Free
21 - 26 min

~

Directions

Eyüp Sultan Mosque
A friend of the prophet Muhammad is thought to be buried at this 15-century mosque rebuilt in 1800.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
22 - 27 min

~

Directions

VIALAND Tema Park
Theme park featuring amusement rides for all ages & a shopping center with dining & entertainment.
10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
•
$55
Day 3Adventure in Vienna's Prater
+

$521

Ciragan Palace Kempinski
Lavish lodging in an ornate former palace with dining & a spa, plus an infinity pool & a helipad.
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
•
$521
Day 4Vienna's Vibrant Charm
+

$40

·

$ 2

Miniaturk
Park with Turkish landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, depicted in miniature format.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$8
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Dolmabahçe Palace
Grand, domed sultan's palace, now a museum, including collections of art, calligraphy and carpets.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$24
16 - 23 min

~

Directions

Naval Museum
Museum tracing Turkish naval history with artifacts such as Ottoman-era ships & early diving gear.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
•
$8
5 - 6 min

~

Directions

Yıldız Park
Suburban public park with cafes & a hilltop museum in an Ottoman palace dating from the 1880s.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
•
Free
Day 5Fun-filled Day in Vienna
+

$61

·

$ 1

Galata Tower
Restored 14th-century tower and former prison overlooking the Bosphorus with a top-floor restaurant.
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
•
$34
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Galata Bridge
Bustling bridge across the Golden Horn with pedestrian walkways & street vendors, with cafes below.
9:15 AM - 9:45 AM
•
Free
11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Yeni Cami Mosque
Prominent mosque dating from the 17th century, featuring iconic domes & a dramatic interior.
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
•
Free
3 - 4 min

~

Directions

Egyptian Bazaar
Covered, 17th-century market known as the Egyptian Bazaar, with spice, food & textile shops.
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
•
Free
11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Suleymaniye Mosque
Ornate 16th-century mosque with gardens, plus a terrace with views over the Golden Horn.
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
•
Free
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Cistern of Theodosius
This historical cistern, built 1600 years ago, offers beautiful columns, brick domes and arches.
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$11
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Basilica Cistern
Huge underground Roman water source held up with 336 marble columns covering 9,800 sq. meters.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
•
$16
Day 6Breathtaking Budapest
+

$13

Beyazit Square
Large public square featuring the main gate to Istanbul University, a big mosque & street vendors.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
Free
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Nuruosmaniye Mosque
Architecturally significant Ottoman mosque completed in 1755, featuring a huge dome & many windows.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Hagia Sophia
Iconic, storied mosque set within a vast, domed former Byzantine church with stained-glass windows.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Istanbul Archaeological Museums
Neoclassical museum showing the country's rich archaeological heritage within landscaped gardens.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
•
$13
Day 7Captivating Budapest
+

$17

·

$ 1

Grand Bazaar
Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
Free
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Column of Constantine
Recently restored column atop a stone pedestal built by the ancient Romans as a monument.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Sultanahmet Square
Public square with remnants of an ancient hippodrome, plus prominent & historic buildings.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Gülhane Park
Venerable, tranquil forested park featuring gardens, paths, a creek & a science museum.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
•
Free
29 - 35 min

~

Directions

Maiden's Tower
Structure linked with legend & once used as a lighthouse, housing a small museum & a restaurant.
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
•
$17
Day 8Relaxation in Budapest
+

$47

·

$ 2

Pelit Chocolate Museum
Exhibition of hundreds of historical figures, artworks & landmarks intricately carved in chocolate.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
$3
37 - 45 min

~

Directions

Çiçek Pasajı
Historic passageway between 2 streets, featuring ornate architecture, shops & cafes.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Madame Tussauds Istanbul
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
•
$8
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Topkapi Palace Museum
Huge, opulent 15th-century palace, occupied by sultans for 400 years, housing Ottoman treasures.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$27
30 - 36 min

~

Directions

Istanbul Toy Museum
Former toy shop-turned-museum showcasing old-fashioned toys & miniatures dating back 200 years.
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
•
$9
Day 9Exploring Budapest's Highlights
+

$59

·

$ 2

Istanbul Aquarium
Big aquarium complex with around 1,700 species in many large tanks, plus a gift shop & eateries.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$23
25 - 30 min

~

Directions

SEA LIFE
Family-friendly exhibits with a variety of sea creatures (most offer play areas & group packages).
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
•
$21
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Panorama 1453 History Museum
Historical center featuring a large panoramic painting of the conquest of Constantinople.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
•
$15

Budget breakdown: $1355 In total

Activities & Food:$1324
Transport:$32